Nasal Sprays
Nasal Sprays as a whole have not been widely studied for use in prevention of COVID-19 (yet). There have also been no comparative studies that can point to which type is most effective. Some studies that have been conducted and listed here have some issues; who they are funded by, methods carried out, etc. Be sure to check out the studies that are listed and use your best judgment to determine if this is worth adding to your toolbox.
Currently Available Nasal Sprays
- Definition: An antiviral polysaccharide that binds to viruses and inhibits viral replication and propagation
- Studies and information:
- "Efficacy of a Nasal Spray Containing Iota-Carrageenan in the Postexposure Prophylaxis of COVID-19 in Hospital Personnel Dedicated to Patients Care with COVID-19 Disease" (International Journal of General Medicine. October 2021)
- Considerations:
- Brands/Links to buy:
- Nasitrol ($20.00+ $10 shipping on their website)
- Salinex (having trouble finding for sale in US; Canadian product)
- Agovirax (Looks like they only ship within the EU; Estonian product)
- Betadine Cold Defense Nasal Spray (Can’t find easily in US; Canadian product)
- NoriZite (£13.33 + shipping from UK)
- Definition: Hypromellose Spray changes the pH of the nasal cavity with an acidic gel layer that is shown to reduce risk of viral infection
- Considerations:
- Produced in Israel, so may violate BDS
- Studies and information:
- "Low pH Hypromellose (Taffix) nasal powder spray could reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection rate post mass-gathering event at a highly endemic community: an observational prospective open label user survey" (Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. April 2021.)
- Brands/Links to Buy
- Taffix
- Definition: Destroys viruses and impedes viral replication in the nose. It has also been shown to block the ACE-2 receptor essential for the covid virus to infect cells.
- Studies and information:
- "Epidemiological Analysis of Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (VirX™) Use in Students Exposed to COVID-19 Infected Individuals" (Miller and Moore. Spring 2023.)
- "SARS-CoV-2 accelerated clearance using a novel nitric oxide nasal spray (NONS) treatment: A randomized trial" (Study. July 2022)
- Current clinical trials for prevention due to finish Jan 2024
- Video on how Nitric Oxide Spray may be used in the prevention of COVID-19(SaNOtize)
- Brands/Links to buy:
- VirX ($20.83 + $41.93 shipping from Germany; couldn't find US retailer)
- Not yet approved for sale in the US
- Enovid ($105 for 2 bottles + Shipping cost (?) from Israel)
- Only nasal spray to have completed Phase 3 Clinical Study
- Produced in Israel, so may violate BDS
- Not yet approved for sale in the US
- VirX ($20.83 + $41.93 shipping from Germany; couldn't find US retailer)
- Definition: A natural virucidal agent that alters the optimal acidic environment required for cell invasion, preventing viral entry into the nasal epithelium
- Studies and information:
- "Evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel prophylactic nasal spray in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A multi-centre, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial." (J Clin Virol. October 2022.)
- Considerations:
- Extremely poisonous for pets; be careful where it is stored/don't allow animals to lick your face after you spray!
- Brands/Links to buy:
- Xlear ($10.99 at Walgreens, available at most pharmacies/Target/etc)
- CofixRX ($24.99+$5.99 standard shipping on their website)
- Also contains Iodine (active ingredient)
- Definition: an amino acid-based surfactant with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, high biodegradability and low toxicity
- Studies and additional information:
- "Effects of ethyl lauroyl arginine nasal spray on COVID-19" (Study summary. April 2022.)
- "Ethyl lauroyl arginine hydrochloride (ELAH) nasal spray as potent antiviral against SARS-CoV-2" (Study. March 2022.)
- Interview with Don Smith of Covixyl (Youtube. Feb 2023.)
- Considerations: Some say it burns your nostrils/sinus cavity (Reddit, Twitter anecdotes)
- Brands/Links to buy:
Future Nasal Spray Technology Undergoing Trials/In Production
- Definition: an engineered homotrimeric Sherpabody produced from E. coli.
- Brands/Links to buy: